Inmates in a state reformatory brought suit against the state department of corrections because corrections officials refused to permit certain persons to visit inmates. The inmates brought suit because receiving visitors is essential to inmates’ morale and to maintaining contacts with their families. They argued that the state had established regulations to guide prison officials in making visitation decisions, thus the court should recognize that inmates have a constitutionally protected liberty right to a hearing whenever prison officials deny a visitation. Convening such a hearing would make it possible for inmates to determine whether prison officials had complied with the guidelines or had acted arbitrarily in denying a visitation. Should the inmates have a due process right to a hearing?